Gary S. Lister

Gary S. Lister, 69, of Topeka, KS died Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at the University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus.  

He was born August 31, 1951 in Bluff City, VA the son of Scottie and Clara (Akers) Lister.

Gary served 6 years in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam Conflict, and left as an E4 Ship Serviceman, Petty Officer 1st Class. He had tours in Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam (Cameron Bay). His primary service overseas was piloting landing crafts from the ship to the shore.

While in service, he proposed to and married Linda (McClane) and they were married 25 years. They had three children, Rodney, and twins Scott and Tammy. 

After leaving the Navy, he worked for the United States Postal Service for over 36 years as a letter carrier. He served 22 years as a USPS union officer and steward.  Gary was also past President of the National Association of Letter Carriers. Gary became a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church in 1998, where he married Nancy Gail West on February 14, 1998. Gary was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Gary was currently employed at Illinois Central Bus Service, enjoyed his work with the children in his care.

Gary was a “car guy” and an avid racing fan, who followed NASCAR and drove his own race cars at Thunder Hill in Mayetta, KS. He was also a member of the Viper Club of Kansas City, and frequently volunteered his time to help friends and family with their vehicles.

Gary is survived by his wife, Nancy; and his sister, Shirley Smith and her husband Brad; and his children Rodney Lister and his wife Kim, Tammy Murphy and husband Matthew, Scott Lister; and Step-Son Justin West and his wife Elizabeth. He is also survived by his 13 grandchildren Jeremy, Richard, Dustin and Jessica; Jarrett; Jaymie; Felicity, Kepha, Samuel, Sophia and Josephine; Clarissa; and Brooke. He is also survived by 4 great grandchildren (Tucker, Tinley, Arralynn, and Brenlee (with one more due in May)

Gary will lie in state after 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where his family will receive friends beginning at 5:00 P.M. and concluding with a Parish Rosary being prayed at 7:00 P.M.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at St. Matthew Catholic Church.  Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery-Topeka.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations in Gary's memory be made to St. Matthew Catholic Church or St. Jude Children's Hospital sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603.